How to select the right #certification?

During past couple of months, I shared my learning experience about #Prosci #changemanagement and #Aon #rewardsready #certifications.?I received many connection requests and messages from connections to know more about the certifications.?All these interactions lead to a fundamental question 'Which certification to choose and how?' Hence, this is my humble attempt of helping all those professionals and students who are looking forward to opt a certification.?

First of all, I would like appreciate all those who are considering certifications and giving importance to continuous learning. There are so many certification domain areas, certificate providers and certifications available in the market hence at times people get confused with so many choices. To make it bit simple for you, I would like to recommend that please ask below questions to yourself and do devote some time to understand details of the shortlisted certifications.?

1. What is your purpose ? Understanding the purpose will help you to declutter and narrow down the options. You need a certificate for mandatary compliance purpose or career progression or skill enhancement or to switch into a new role or new industry or new organisation??

2. What aspires you ?? Ask yourself - Is that your friend or peer or senior did ‘X’ certification hence you want to get same certification? But please note, important thing here is - ‘What aspires you? What is your interest area? What is your current job role? What is your desired job role? How you look forward your career path in next 5 years? Is the certification relevant? Is it going to add value in profile and skills?’ Answers of these questions will help you to identify your need and inclination to shortlist options of the desired certification area.??

3. What is your budget in terms of resources viz. Time and Money ??Considering existing professional and personal commitments, do you have resources like time and money to opt for a detailed long term advanced and expensive certification ? Or just to begin with, would you like to opt for a basic certification with short duration and lower expenses ? According to respective format of certification, are you dedicated to complete assignments / projects / sessions / assessments / study in timely manner for affirmative outcome? What ROI (return on investment) you are expecting from the certification ??This will help you to shortlist options of the desired certifications and certification providers.?

4. Are you ready for some Homework ? ?

Is the certificate aligned with your purpose, aspirations and resources? Is this industry recognised? Is it being provided by recognised or trustworthy certificate provider? What is the content of certification? What is the eligibility criteria to opt for the same? Will you need periodic recertification? Is it going to help you to earn credit points for any other certification (if you already have such need) ? Do you have any referral code or voucher or discount for certification expenses? Is it futuristic certification aligned to your desired career path?? The comparison and homework of shortlisted certification options will help you to decide ‘Which is the right certification for you?'

You are investing money, energy and time, so please make sure to give your best shot to learn and utilise learning as much as possible.?

All the best for your #leaning and #growth #journey.?